SR397: SR397 James, Dr. Kevin; recognize

This is a commendation resolution from the Georgia Senate honoring Dr. Kevin James, the 19th president of Morris Brown College. It highlights his role in restoring the college's accreditation in 2022, ending a lapse of nearly two decades and making Morris Brown the first historically Black college and university to achieve this. The resolution also notes his work stabilizing the college's finances, expanding academic programs, boosting fundraising, and increasing enrollment. The resolution states that the Senate recognizes and commends Dr. James for his leadership and dedication to higher education, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to him. It does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement of praise.

• Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Kevin James for his leadership as president of Morris Brown College.
• States the Senate's praise for his role in restoring the college's accreditation and improving its finances and enrollment.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Dr. James.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it has no regulatory or funding effect.

The resolution directly names and honors Dr. Kevin James, president of Morris Brown College. It also references Morris Brown College itself, a historically Black college in Atlanta, but does not impose any obligations on the college, students, or the public.

This resolution has no legal effect on Georgians; it is a symbolic honor. Its significance is limited to publicly acknowledging Dr. James's work at Morris Brown College, particularly the college's 2022 accreditation restoration, in the official record of the Georgia Senate.

• The preamble (whereas clauses) describes Dr. James's tenure as Morris Brown College's 19th president and the restoration of its accreditation on April 26, 2022.
• The resolved clause has the Senate recognize and commend Dr. James for his leadership and dedication to higher education.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Dr. James.

1. 2025-03-18Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-13Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Donzella James (D, SD-028)Primary sponsor
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)

• higher education
• historically Black colleges and universities
• Morris Brown College
• legislative commendation